Do novel hybrid coatings protect aluminum alloys from corrosion?

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

What corrosion protection properties do three novel eco-friendly hybrid epoxy-silicon (EP-S) coatings have in comparison to commercial epoxy (EP) coatings on aluminum alloys? This question was in the centre of a research work by international scientists.

The protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by means of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), also supported by physico-chemical characterization of the coated surfaces by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), as well as Contact Angle (CA) and Energy Surface measurements.

Low wettability

The comparison of the IR spectra before and after immersion test in the referred NaCl solution demonstrated the absence of water inside the EP-S coatings. Additionally, the very high water contact angle (>90°) and low surface energy values, confirmed the hydrophobic nature as well as the low wettability of the hybrid coatings. It was concluded that the addition of silane containing an amine functional group allowed obtaining a denser and more effective protective coating.